PBL Project

Introduction

My project has to do with the way roller coasters work. I will be finding out how the carts on roller coasters spin and loop upside down, with out falling off. The secret behind roller coasters is Physics and I will be trying it out.

Action Movie

Driving Question

How do roller coasters make sharp turns or loop upside down with out falling?

Answer

Roller Coasters are driven by the force of gravity and the conversion between potential and kinetic energy is essential to the way roller coasters work.

Materials

- K'nex roller coaster system

- Scissors

- Roller coaster car

Procedure

1. Build the roller coaster

2. Put the carts on the roller coaster

3. Set up motion sensor

4. Use meter stick and balance to test out different carts

5. Record info

Scientific Principles

- Kinetic Energy: Energy that a body possesses by virtue of being in motion

- Potential Energy: Energy stored by an object by virtue of its position

The higher an object is off the ground, the more potential energy it has. A roller coaster has potential to gain speed as it falls. As the car falls toward the ground, that potential energy changes to kinetic energy. Also known as energy of motion. The sum of the both types of energy is constant, and a roller coaster must maintain a balance of potential and kinetic energies to the thrilling ride.

- Friction: Force that resists the sliding or rolling of one solid object over another

Friction is a key factor for roller coasters, because friction is a force that can slow the roller coaster. Contact between the train and the air, or between the wheels and the track all impose friction on the car.

- Gravity: The force that attracts a body toward the center of the earth, or toward any other physical body having mass.

Gravity is the most important physics concept related to roller coasters. Once a roller coaster car disengages from the initial chain lift or propulsion force, gravity ensures that it completes its course along the track. Gravity is felt by riders when it seems that riders are pushed deeper into their seats or pulled up out of them.

- Acceleration: It's usually confused with speed,but acceleration is actually a change in velocity

Changes either in speed or direction. Therefore, a roller coaster is accelerating through loops and curves, even if it's speed remains constant.

Safety Regulations

- Assembly roller coaster system according to manual

- Do not coil track

- Store tracks in coils